In History, Today on January 26

The UK's Sue Gray report on parties held during COVID-19 lockdowns was published, causing significant political controversy for Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government.

The India farmers' protest, which began in late 2020, saw thousands of farmers storming the Red Fort in New Delhi during the Republic Day celebrations in protest against agricultural laws introduced by the Indian government.

Basketball legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others die in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.

Larry Nassar, former USA Gymnastics doctor, is sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison for sexually abusing young athletes.

Libby Lane is consecrated as the first female bishop of the Church of England.

The Grammy Awards take place, with Daft Punk winning Album of the Year for 'Random Access Memories'.

The Italian luxury liner Costa Concordia, which had capsized off the coast of Tuscany on January 13, was declared a 'total loss' by the owners. The salvage operation was one of the largest in naval history, and the event continued to have legal and environmental repercussions.

The Egyptian Revolution of 2011 begins with widespread protests demanding the end of President Hosni Mubarak's regime.

Western Union discontinues its telegram service, ending 150 years of telegraphy in the United States.

Condoleezza Rice is sworn in as the United States Secretary of State, becoming the first African American woman to hold the position.

President Hamid Karzai signs the new constitution of Afghanistan into law, establishing a presidential system of government.

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes Gujarat, India, resulting in significant loss of life and property damage.

President Bill Clinton denied having had a sexual relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, in a statement that would lead to his impeachment.

Israel and Egypt established diplomatic relations following the Camp David Accords.

The Yugoslavian air stewardess Vesna Vulović survived a fall from 10,160 meters (33,330 ft) after the plane she was in exploded, setting a world record for surviving the highest fall without a parachute.

In an emblematic moment of protest, military officer Valentin Trujillo served as acting president of Bolivia but was ousted by a coup one day later.

Hindi was declared the official language of India, alongside English.

India officially became a republic, adopting its constitution and marking Republic Day.

The first American forces arrive in Europe during World War II as part of Operation Bolero, marking a significant phase in the Allied effort.

The Apollo Theater opened in Harlem, New York City, becoming a significant venue for African American performers.

John Logie Baird gave the first public demonstration of television in his laboratory in London.

Saint Petersburg, Russia, was renamed Leningrad in honor of the late Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin.

Glenn Curtiss achieves the first successful seaplane flight, taking off and landing on water, marking a pivotal moment in aviation history.

The world's largest diamond, the Cullinan, was discovered at the Premier Mine in Pretoria, South Africa.

The first railway designs for the 3-foot gauge steam train known as the Salvation Army Railway are patented by General Booth.

Michigan was admitted as the 26th state of the United States of America.

The Rum Rebellion takes place in Australia when Governor William Bligh is overthrown by the New South Wales Corps.

The British First Fleet, led by Captain Arthur Phillip, arrived at Port Jackson, marking the founding of the colony of New South Wales, now part of Australia.

The Treaty of Karlowitz was signed, ending hostilities between the Ottoman Empire and the Holy League. It marked the end of Ottoman control in much of Central Europe and contributed to the rise of the Habsburg Empire.

The First Anglo-Dutch War saw its first major action with the Battle of Goodwin Sands where the English fleet under Robert Blake encountered the Dutch fleet under Martin Tromp.

The Council of Trent, a major Roman Catholic council, concluded its final session, marking a significant event in the Counter-Reformation.

Lisbon, Portugal, was struck by a major earthquake, causing significant destruction and loss of life.

King Edward III of England was declared King of France, claiming the French throne as a grandson of Philip IV, sparking the Hundred Years' War.

The death of Theobald II, Duke of Lorraine, which initiated a succession crisis, as descendents of the earlier ducal lineage laid claim to the title, affecting regional politics.

The Fourth Caliph of Islam, Ali ibn Abi Talib, is assassinated while praying in the Great Mosque of Kufa and succumbs to his injuries.